MRG condemns attacks against civilians by Syria’s security forces and raises concerns for minorities

According to the United Nations, more than 7,500 people have died in the 11 months of protest against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Some of the most severe fighting and loss of life has taken place in the city of Homs, where the Syrian army has been conducting an intense bombardment of opposition positions and civilian areas for nearly a month.

MRG strongly condemns the systematic attacks against civilians by the Syrian security forces, calls on the government to immediately allow safe access for humanitarian aid workers to areas affected by the fighting, and to cease hostilities targeted against civilians and civilian objects.

MRG is extremely concerned about reports of violent attacks against Shi’a, and other minorities by elements of the opposition and draws attention to the plight of Syria’s Kurdish and Syriac minority. According to rights groups, Kurds have suffered abductions, killings and increased surveillance from the security forces over the last year, whilst prominent Syriac Christians have been arrested and subjected to torture.